Hamas’ military wing claims responsibility for Tel Aviv explosion
Israeli security and rescue forces at the scene of an explosion in south Tel Aviv, Israel on Aug. 18, 2024. (Photo by Yehoshua Yosef via Flash90)
Hamas’ military wing, aka the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the Tel Aviv explosion that occurred on Sunday evening, according to Al Jazeera.
“We announce, in cooperation with the Al-Quds Brigades, the implementation of the martyrdom operation that took place yesterday evening in Tel Aviv,” Hamas’ military wing said.
Details of incident
“It can now be confirmed that this was a terror attack,” Israeli police and Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency said in a joint statement on Monday.
The incident, which occurred on HaLehi Street, resulted in one death and one injury, according to official statements.
The explosion, described as a “powerful explosive” by the Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit and the Shin Bet Spokesperson’s Unit in a joint statement Monday, has led to a heightened state of alert across the city.
“As a result of the explosion, a passerby was moderately injured and transported to receive medical treatment,” the statement said.
The injured individual is currently recovering.
Ongoing investigations, initial findings
Preliminary investigations indicate that the person who died was likely carrying the explosive device.
Israeli state television, KAN, reported that the deceased, a man in his 50s, was believed to be carrying a “bomb” in a backpack.
The suspect is thought to have come from the West Bank, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Tel Aviv Police Chief Peretz Amar noted that the deceased individual was “not an ordinary person.”
